THE REAL SKINNY ON VITAMIN B12. WHAT IT CAN AND CANNOT DO FOR YOU

One of the scariest deficiencies known to doctor's is a B12 deficiency. This is because it can lead to anemia and injury to the nervous system. If not detected promptly, serious injury may occur with the patient experiencing increasing imbalance and falling issues actions that can be fatal for the elderly population. When red blood cells are not produced efficiently (anemia) the results can be fatal. Therefore, vitamin b12 is vital for life. Read on to learn what vitamin B12 really is and how adequate intake of this vitamin is crucial for your health.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and not a fat-soluble vitamin like vitamin E. It is naturally found in some food items, is fortified in others and also available as a vitamin supplement in pill form or even prescribed as an injection. As with most vitamins, it can be found in different forms but all forms contain the cobalt mineral. Cobalt on its own can be found in the earth's crust and is considered a trace element for humans. It forms the center of the B12 vitamin as well as other co-enzymes known as cobalamins. Two forms of vitamin B12 are active in human metabolism: methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. 

What Does Vitamin B12 Do in the Body?

Vitamin B12 is required for three major activities in the human body: red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis. Without enough vitamin B12, the red blood cells do not divide normally and become too large. Because of this, they may not be able to leave the bone marrow where they are produced. This means oxygen is not being adequately carried around the bloodstream.

In the process of DNA synthesis, vitamin B12 supplies the methyl groups for both the proteins and DNA itself. Around our nerves, we have a fatty substance called myelin sheaths. They cover and protect the nerves of the central and peripheral nervous system ensuring proper transmission of impulses. Vitamin B12 maintains the structure and functioning of these myelin sheaths. Specifically, B12 is a co-factor in the synthesis of methionine, an amino acid that is required for methylation reactions, including the synthesis of myelin. In addition, methionine is synthesized from homocysteine, another amino acid that is associated with neurodegenerative diseases when it is found in high levels, damaging the brain and cognitive health. Vitamin B12 helps to synthesize methionine, thus lowering levels of homocysteine in turn.

Sources of Vitamin B12

Naturally, vitamin B12 is found in basically all animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy products. It is usually not found in plant foods, but recently, scientists have found it to be present in the edible aquatic plant duckweed. Otherwise, it must be added to breakfast cereals or plant milk. Nutritional yeast is also a great source for B12, adding a cheesy flavor to vegetarian or vegan meals. 

As a dietary supplement, vitamin B12 is typically found in the form of cyanocobalamin, a form that the body can easily convert to the active forms, methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. Some supplement brands may include methylcobalamin and other forms of B12 in them including the cyano form. There does not appear to be a difference in absorption or bioavailability between the various forms.

Vitamin B12 is also available in the form of tablets, lozenges and even sprays.

Injections are available through a prescription when medically necessary and are administered via intramuscular injection. Injectable B12 is used to treat a deficiency caused by pernicious anemia and other conditions cause vitamin B12 malabsorption and severe B12 deficiency. A nasal spray is also available via prescription.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The population most prone to vitamin B12 deficiency are older adults. They may suffer from pernicious anemia (increased immature red blood cells), have reduced stomach acidity or other intestinal disorders that reduce the ability to absorb B12 from food. This may happen in younger adults as well. In addition, vegans and vegetarians who do not supplement or eat eggs/dairy may need to carefully monitor their B12 supplementation or fortified food intake. 

The symptoms of deficiency include anemia, weakness, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. If the nerves are affected, patients will experience numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Other symptoms include balance difficulties, depression, confusion, dementia, memory loss and soreness of the mouth and tongue. 

In conclusion, vitamin B12 is a necessary vitamin, without which we would suffer serious adverse effects and possibly death if not treated. Both the circulatory and nervous systems of our bodies are critically affected by a deficiency in B12. If you think you may be suffering from such a deficiency, we recommended getting a blood test as soon as possible to determine whether this is an issue for you. We can set you up with a simple blood test and prescribe B12 injections if necessary. It is a simple process to get blood drawn for testing and a simple diagnosis once complete.